Uncovering hidden gems provides travelers with travel destinations that remain off the radar, offering unique experiences. Discovering hidden treasures creates memorable adventures for each traveler that create cherished memories they will carry throughout their lives.
Discovering lesser-known treasures such as beaches or ancient ruins provides an incredible sense of discovery and adventure – something which makes these lesser-known locations all the more alluring.
Kerama Islands
The Kerama Islands provide an unforgettable travel experience, one where time slows down, nature reigns supreme, and connections among land, sea and culture feel sacred. Amid an increasingly homogenized travel scene, they represent Japan at its finest – an authentic paradise brimming with beautiful moments and experiences.
The archipelago of Kerama Blue boasts coral reefs and is the breeding ground of green, hawksbill, and loggerhead sea turtles. Its clear waters have earned themselves their own name – Kerama blue! You will discover beauty combined with sustainable living here; not to mention that its inhabitants are among some of the healthiest in the world!
Kerama Islands, situated west of Naha, offer an idyllic escape from life on main island Japan. Their largest island, Tokashiki-jima, can be easily visited from Naha as day trip destination; boasting gorgeous beaches and dive spots along with being an excellent spot for whale watching in winter/early spring seasons.
Aka is one of the smallest of the inhabited islands and an idyllic escape. With guesthouses and pensions lining its narrow streets, a tiny village and stunning beaches with light blue-turquoise water, Aka is perfect for relaxation. Additionally, El Nino damaged coral near its beaches making snorkeling less reliable; but Aka still makes for an excellent snorkeling spot!
Symi
Symi is an idyllic Dodecanese island known for its lovely beaches, scenic drives, and sunset spots that attract families, history enthusiasts, beachgoers and beach enthusiasts alike. Plus there’s vibrant Greek culture waiting here; expect plenty of traditional Greek festivities come summer time.
First and foremost, one will notice when visiting Symi (also spelled Simi and Syme) is its stunning architecture. Gialos Port boasts rows of neoclassical houses that stand as testament to how its residents were responsible for saving it from ruinous tourist developments that destroyed so many nearby islands.
Start exploring Symi at its harbour square, where you’ll find restaurants, bars, shops and boat trip vendors as well as tavernas, bars, churches and bell towers – an area which comes alive during spring and summer when locals and tourists fill it. It is worth also taking the time to admire some of its charming chapels and houses that dot the island as well as Marathounda’s byzantine wine presses as well as tasting some delicacies such as simiako garidaki, an original delicacy which consists of fishing fresh seafood which is then deep fried before being served lightly seasoned!
Kotor
Kotor’s captivatingly atmospheric setting consists of towering mountains and an idyllic bay, making for an idyllic combination. A medieval maze of cafe-strewn squares, fortifications topped by church bell towers, palaces reminiscent of its time under Venetian rule and centuries-old streets with marble laneways and wrought iron balconies are just part of its allure – while at nightfall its illuminated walls illuminate into serenely lit walls that glow like an illuminated halo.
The city walls encase the entire city; initially constructed in the ninth century, these fortifications have been expanded over time and now cover over 4.5 km, linking bastions to promenades that offer stunning bay views. Trg od Oruzja (Square of Arms), featuring its 15th-century church; and Sveti Ivan fortress at 1355 steps connect a medieval fortress castle with 16th-century church are ideal places to discover these walls.
Stately homes dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries – known as palazzi – make an important statement about the town’s past, serving as prominent landmarks within its historic core. Many have been carefully restored into luxury boutique hotels that showcase their rich histories through marble and wrought iron features that give their rich histories away. Other buildings like Saint Tripun (St Tryphon), its patron saint, are dedicated to his memory; along with some excellent museums as well as restaurants.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is renowned as an idyllic getaway for nature enthusiasts, as well as being home to fascinating culture and history. Boasting majestic temples, picturesque rice paddies, bustling cities and idyllic beaches; Sri Lanka truly offers something for everyone on this island gem.
Sri Lanka was initially settled by hunter-gatherers. Evidence of early agriculture and water management can be found, though little is known about their culture. Sri Lanka eventually became a center for maritime trade between Greece, Rome, Persia, Armenian and Arab sailors who settled here permanently.
Sri Lankans place great value on hospitality and respect, which contributes to their vibrant culture. Buddhism is the predominant faith, with festivals, art, architecture, and architecture heavily influenced by this spiritual practice. One notable site in Kandy is Temple of the Tooth Relic which holds one of Buddha’s tooth relics as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site; for visitors looking for even more spectacle, visit Kandy Esala Perahera with decorated elephants parades, street performers and much more fun is highly recommended!
Hinduism and Islam are also major faiths, with temples and mosques located throughout Colombo as well as elsewhere in Sri Lanka. Temples and mosques with prominent Hindu shrines can be found both in Colombo as well as across the nation, while paintings and sculpture often reflect Buddhist themes including Jataka tales or his life story of Buddha. Clothing styles vary depending on region or community but the saree remains the traditional dress of women; though bartering with market vendors or tuk-tuk drivers is expected while tips should also be exchanged at restaurants when necessary.